ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Germany on Cooperation in the field of Occupational Safety and Health
The Union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Germany on Cooperation in the field of Occupational Safety and Health . The MoU was renewed on 13th November 2018.
Benefits:
The collaboration till date has immensely helped in adopting the modern training techniques and tolls on various aspects of Occupational Safety and Health in different sectors of economic activity. Under the MoU, German Social Accident Insurance  through the International Social Security Association  is bringing in knowhow to meet the OSH challenges, especially in the construction and manufacturing sector. Also, it will benefit the large work force by improving their safety and health, and preventing occupational injuries and diseases. The cooperation is expected to result in capacity building of Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes , the technical arm and attached office of Ministry of Labour, India & Chief Inspector of Factories Officers  in the field of OSH, Strengthening of Inspection system for meeting emerging challenges, upgradation of laboratories for carrying out applied research in the area of OSH, Development of OSH Standards and development in Safety Culture for enhancing the well-being of the Indian workforce.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of 96.42% equity shareholding in Jindal Power Limited by Worldone Private Limited
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of 96.42% equity shareholding in Jindal Power Limited by Worldone Private Limited.
Worldone Private Limited  is an investment holding company which has investments in various listed and unlisted companies.
Jindal Power Limited  is primarily engaged in the business of generating thermal power by using coal as a fuel source.
The Proposed Combination relates to acquisition of 96.42% equity shareholding in JPL by Worldone. The relevant markets associated with the transaction are  Market for coal-based thermal power generation in India  Market for power transmission in India.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
PIB Headquarters
CHENNAI AND ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS  SUBMARINE OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE  CONNECTIVITY:
At present, A&N islands are connected to the mainland through Satellite link with limited bandwidth capacity with high latency. Hence the Government of India decided to install Submarine Optical link from the Mainland  to Andaman & Nicobar islands to provide high speed internet connectivity. Shri. Ravi Shankar Prasad, The Hon’ble Minister of Communications. Electronics & IT and Law & Justice inaugurated the Cable laying work on 09.01.2020 in the August presence of Admiral D.K.Joshi, The Hon’ble Lt. Governor of A& N islands and Vice Chairman, Island Development Agency.
The project will connect Port Blair along with seven other Islands of Andaman & Nicobar viz. Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar, Havelock, Long Island and Rangat. Total length of the submarine cable project is 2250 Kms aznd will have four fibre pairs. Each fibre pair has the ultimate capacity of 6.4 Tbps with very low latency. At present, the combined availability for A & N Islands is only 3.2 Gbps. At the initial stage of commissioning itself bandwidth availability will be 400 Gbps which is nearly 100 times of the existing capacity. The commissioning of this project will elad to socio economic development of A & N Islands due to increased economic activities including tourism.
BSNL has been appointed as the Project Execution Agency  by DOT/USOF and the work has been awarded to M/s NEC Technlogies India Pvt. Ltd. Through global open tendering process. The link is targeted to commission by June, 2020.
Salient features:
- The total link distance is 2250 Kms, with Chennai to Port Blair as 1450 Kms, whereas other 7 segments, its 800 Kms.
- The total cost of the Project is Rs.1224 Cr .
- The Cable System will be maintained by BSNL
- The bandwidth created under this project will be available to all Telecom Service providers to extend their telecom services to the A&N Islands.
- The submarine cable will also meet the strategic communication requirement of country’s defence forces.
- We have constructed 8 new green field building for housing Cable Landing Stations  in a record time.
- All equipments in Chennai and Port Blair are installed and at other places work is in advance stage.
- The ship ‘STRAIDER’ reached in Chennai in November, 2019 for pre layingactivities and the work has been completed between Chennai and A&N Islands.
- The ship “CS Responder” has already reached at Chennai for commencing the cable laying work at sea bed from 10th Jan 2020
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Yoga training-cum-demonstration sessions organized as a countdown to 8th International Day of Yoga
Events held at 75 places by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, & Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
As a countdown to the International Yoga Day on June 21, a programme of common yoga protocol was organised today by the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs. Events were held at 75 places by the two ministries, including certain locations abroad of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. Secretaries and others officers from both the ministries and other offices associated with the ministries participated in the yoga sessions. The session was attended virtually by the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri from New Delhi while the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Rameswar Teli joined from Asia's first and world's oldest refinery- Digboi Refinery.
The Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manoj Joshi led the Yoga training-cum-demonstration session at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Shri Pankaj Jain and officers of the ministry and oil marketing companies participated in the main yoga session at New Delhi.
In his message telecast during the event, Shri Puri appreciated the initiative of the AYUSH Ministry for organizing the countdown to the International Yoga Day in which the two ministries today took part whole-heartedly at places spread all over the country, including overseas locations. He said that Yoga is a form of Body-mind fitness that involves combination of muscular activity and is also internally directed towards mindful focus on the Self, the Breath and the Energy.
Describing Yoga as the three thousand old tradition, the Minister said that even the western world now recognizes it as a Holistic approach. Yoga is now uniformly and universally recognized and documented as an alternative system of medicine, he added.
The International Day of Yoga  is celebrated every year on June 21st. Ministry of AYUSH is the nodal Ministry of IDY celebrations. On this day, a mass Yoga demonstration program is held in the morning under the guidance of Yoga experts, followed by other Yoga related activities.
This year, as the nation celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75th year of Independence, Ministry of AYUSH has initiated a 100-day countdown program starting from 13.03.2022 with participation of 100 different organizations. In this regard, the Ministry of AYUSH has also allotted specific dates to each of the Ministry for observing the Countdown to International Day of Yoga pre-celebrations by practicing Yoga exercises based on Common Yoga Protocol  and organize other related activities.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Officers and staff of MNRE working from Home through e-office platform
Shri R K Singh reviews the work through video conference meetings
NTPC and SECI to sign MoU with Rajasthan government for seeting up two RE parks
Government launches scheme for solarisation of Modhera
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy  has been working through e-office from home. Besides movement of files and notings online, review meetings are also taking place through video conferencing. Shri R. K. Singh, Minister for New and Renewable Energy also took review meetings with all officers yesterday and today in which it was decided that MNRE will issue uniform combined guidelines for procurement of Renewable Energy  including Storage to facilitate investment in the sector and will continue to bring new bids so that investors can plan their investment.
During these meetings it was also decided that SECI and NTPC should immediately sign MoU with State Government of Rajasthan for setting up two RE park of 5000 MW capacity each. This arrangement would mark first phase of 25000 MW Ultra Mega RE Park proposed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Further, contours for setting up 25000 MW RE park in Khavada, Gujarat were also finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and State Government of Gujarat. Various options for capitalisation of IREDA were also discussed.
MNRE also issued guidelines for Complete Solarisation of sun town, Modhera in Gujarat. Government of India has launched a Scheme with an objective to take forward Prime Minister’s vision of solarisation of sun-temple town of Modhera in District – Mehsana, Gujarat. The Scheme envisages setting up of the renewable energy installations like 6 MW solar PV power plant, 15 MWh Battery storage, rooftop solar PV systems, smart meters, solar EV charging stations, etc. in Modhera, with an investment of around Rs. 65 Crores, with upto 50% central financial assistance  from Government of India through Ministry of New & Renewable Energy  and balance 50% coming from Government of Gujarat.
The Scheme will fulfill the domestic and agricultural electricity needs of all the households of Modhera with solar energy, thereby setting up a pilot demonstration project for a village/ town running completely on solar energy.
The Government has already initiated tendering for the proposed installations through Gujarat Power Corporation Limited  and aims to complete this project this year itself by December 2020. Implementation of this Project will be done by Gujarat Power Corporation Limited .
Ministry of Education
Government approves the process of constitution of new Boards of Governors for the IIMs as per the IIM Act 2017.
The Government has today approved the process of constitution of new Boards of Governors for the IIMs as per the IIM Act 2017."The process of constitution of Boards for the IIMs, which have been given full powers of running the institutions, is a major development which signals complete autonomy of quality institutions in higher education and will ensure quality expansion of higher education", said Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Human Resources Development after approving the process of constitution of Boards for the  IIMs in accordance with the IIM Act 2017.
This process is in accordance with the provisions of the Section 10 of the IIM Act 2017, andhas been approved in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The IIM Act is a historical step of the Govt which for the first time, provided comprehensive autonomy to the higher educational institutions. In accordance with the spirit of the Act, Govt has decided to immediately withdraw the Govt nominees who are in excess of the provisions of the Act. This will pave way for complete control of the institutions by reputed academicians and alumni.
The process of constitution of the first Boards as laid down in Section 10 of the Act would be kicked off with the  Ex-officio members. who will select Chairperson, who shall normally be the current Chairperson and would be given the full term under the new Act. Then on, the Chairperson would lead the further process of constitution of the Boards as laid down under the Act.
Thereafter, the Board consisting of Chairperson and ex-officio members will co-opt  alumni from each of the IIMs, who will normally be the current serving members, except in cases of ineligibility.
In the first meeting of the Board, the regulations for selection of  eminent persons and two faculty members would be framed; and based on this, normally the current serving persons would be selected for a full term. This process is expected to be completed before 15th Dec 2018.
On completion of the constitution of the Boards in the above manner, the Rules under the IIM Act would be issued, which would bring out the operational details more clearly.
Finance Commission
Finance Commission holds meeting with Ministry of AYUSH
The Ministry of AYUSH headed by Minister Shri Shripad Yesso Naik made a detailed presentation before the 15th Finance Commission on attaining national health goals through AYUSH health systems. The Commission headed by Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh, was informed about various aspects of achievements of the Ministry and the issues where the Ministry has sought the intervention of the Commission.
The Commission was informed that presently the following AYUSH healthcare facilities and allied framework exist in States/ UTs:-
- Standalone AYUSH facilities – 30897 
- Co-located Public Health Facilities – 10955 
- State Medicinal Plant Boards.
- Each State/ UT has got its administrative set up to oversee the implementation of healthcare programmes under AYUSH systems.
The Ministry felt that in order to take up AYUSH healthcare activities, and other related works of AYUSH sector viz. drug quality control and production of herbal raw-material, following constraints are faced by States/ UTs:-
- Inadequate budgetary support: The funds received by State AYUSH Departments under State annual plants often remain inadequate. Most of the State AYUSH Departments did not receive funds from special sources like 14th Finance Commission award. The central grant –in-aid allocated under National AYUSH Mission  to States/ UTs also remains insufficient and inadequate due to small size of NAM Scheme.
- Administrative framework to oversee the implementation of AYUSH health care programmes at State level is inadequate in most of the States/ UTs. It severely hinders the quality and quantity of AYUSH health care services delivery in underserved and unserved areas.
The Ministry has made the following recommendations to the Commission:
- A minimum of 10% of the Health sector grant earmarked under 15th Finance Commission award be dedicated to AYUSH Departments in States/ UTs.
- The existing CSS  should be allowed to continue with more comprehensive objectives and enhanced funding.
- At present, fund flow under CSS is through Treasury route. It affects the output and outcome of schemes due to delay in release of funds by state treasuries to implementing agency. Instead of Treasury route, funds may be placed with implementing agencies directly.
- Inter-alia, indicators for development of AYUSH may also be adopted as one of the criteria for devolution of funds to States.
The Commission has carefully noted all the issues raised by the Ministry of AYUSH and has promised to take a favorable view while its recommendations to the uniform Government on the devolution of resources to AYUSH.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Commerce & Industry Minister Releases Compendium of Cement Industry
Suresh Prabhu releasing compendium on the Cement Industry India 2018 in New Delhi.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu released the compendium on “The Cement Industry – India 2018” in New Delhi today.
The compendium has been prepared by National Council for Cement and Building Materials , in association with cement section of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade . It contains key information about technology development, challenges and opportunities for Indian cement industry along with an exhaustive directory of cement plants in India. The Indian cement industry is the second largest in the world with an installed capacity of 509 million tonnes per annum in 2018 and cement production of 298 million tonnes in 2018 with 143 integrated cement plants, 102 grinding units, 5 clinkerisation units and 62 mini cement plants in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Prabhu emphasized on improving energy efficiency, environmental excellence and quality standards in the Indian cement industry. He observed that cement consumption in India is still around 235 kg per capita against global average of 520 kg per capita, which shows significant potential for the growth of industry.The Commerce Minister highlighted that Government’s focus on Housing for all by 2022, Make in India, World Class Cement Concrete Highways, Creation of 100 Smart cities, Dedicated Freight Corridors, Clean India Mission, Ultra Mega Power Projects, Connectivity improvement including Water Transport will bring required boost in infrastructure and housing sectors.
The Minister also urged the cement industry to think of recycling of material used in production of cement.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, office bearers of National Council for Cement and Building Materials, cement industry and representatives of Cement Manufacturers’ Association.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
More than 24.60 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 1.63 crore doses still available with States/UTs to be administered
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In addition, the Govt. of India has also been facilitating direct procurement of vaccines by the States/UTs. Vaccination is an integral pillar of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India for containment and management of the pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and COVID Appropriate Behaviour.
Implementation of the Liberalized and Accelerated Phase-3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination has started from 1st May 2021.
Under the Strategy, in every month 50% of the total Central Drugs Laboratory  cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by Govt. of India. It would continue to make these doses available to the State Govts totally free of cost as was being done earlier.
Government of India has so far provided, both through the free of cost category and through direct state procurement category, more than 24 crore vaccine doses  to States/UTs.
Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 22,96,95,199 doses .
More than 1.63 crore COVID Vaccine doses  are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah greeted the people on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2020
Yoga is not just a way to keep fit, but also a medium to maintain balance between body & mind, work & thoughts and also between human and nature - Amit Shah
Yoga has received global acceptance due to the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi - Amit Shah
The Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah greeted the people on the occasion of International Yoga Day today.
In his message, Shri Amit Shah has said ‘Yoga is much more than just a way of keeping ones body healthy. It is a medium to maintain balance between body and mind, work and thoughts and also between human and nature’.
The Union Home Minister further said that ‘Yoga is an unique gift of Indian culture to entire humanity. The world has adopted Yoga now, it received global acceptance due to the tireless efforts of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’.
Concluding his greetings on this occasion, Shri Amit Shah appealed to the people to make Yoga a part of their daily lives.
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog's AIM & IBM India design First-of-its Kind Industry-tailored Student Internship Programme
NITI Aayog and IBM today announced a first-of-its-kind internship programme for students selected by Atal Innovation Mission .
The internship will see 38 students receive a two-week paid internship, and 14 teachers from Atal Tinkering Labs  across the length and breadth of the country including from states such as Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar and others, to come together and ideate, collaborate and innovate.
These students will be equipped with the skills for new collar careers in areas like artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things, cybersecurity, cloud computing and blockchain. Apart from being trained in emerging technologies, students will also be coached in critical workplace skills.
As part of the program, select teachers from ATLs will also be trained by IBM volunteers and mentors to become innovation coaches. The two-week program is designed so students can experience the corporate environment and gain exposure to new technologies. To scale the programme, top-performing students are selected for industry exposure to strengthen their technical skills and prepare them for future jobs.
The Atal Innovation Mission conducted the Atal Tinkering Marathon in 2017 where Top 30 innovations across five focus areas - agritech, healthcare, smart mobility, clean energy, waste management, water management - were identified as the top innovations.
Students from the Top 30 teams have since been offered various opportunities like the Student Innovator Programme, the ATL Bootcamp with industry partners, opportunity to participate in global innovation contests like World Robot Olympiad , and an internship opportunity with IBM India at their Bengaluru campus.
The IBM internship program is focussed on enhancing the skills of the students via various innovative activities like design thinking approach, developing prototypes and solution for community issues and to solve them.
Ministry of Steel
Steel Clusters
The Ministry of Steel has prepared a draft framework policy for development of steel clusters in the country. The draft framework policy for development of steel clusters is aimed at facilitating setting up of greenfield steel clusters along with development & expansion of existing steel clusters. The steel clusters shall not only help the country become Atma Nirbhar in value added Steel and capital goods but would also generate employment, especially in the Eastern part of the Country covering the States of Chhattishgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orisha and Andhra Pradesh as part of the “Purvodaya” initiative of the Ministry of Steel.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.